In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac share a raw, unfiltered conversation about navigating current events, political polarization, and the emotional toll of living through constant crisis. They explore how social media shapes public discourse, the pressure to perform activism online, and why authenticity matters more than optics.

Lauren and Michelle reflect on the weight of recent tragedies, the growing divide in political beliefs, and the essential role of empathy in advocacy and allyship. The conversation also addresses the challenges of parenting in an uncertain world, accountability for content creators, and the responsibility to speak out against injustice—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Grounded in honesty and hope, this episode of BURNT centers on resilience, community, and the belief that collective action and understanding can lead to meaningful change.

What We're Talking About...

• Authenticity in conversations builds trust, especially in discussions around politics, grief, and social justice.
• Social media shapes public discourse, amplifying both meaningful connection and harmful misinformation.
• Empathy is essential for understanding opposing perspectives and navigating political and ideological divides.
• Political beliefs can differ widely, even among people with similar backgrounds and lived experiences.
• The loss of life in current events has a profound emotional impact, reinforcing the human cost behind headlines.
• Parenting in today’s world requires constant adaptation to cultural, political, and societal change.
• Content creators have a responsibility to speak out against injustice, even when it risks discomfort or backlash.
• Apathy can contribute to systemic harm, making silence a form of complicity.
• Hope for the future is rooted in collective action, community care, and sustained advocacy.
• Understanding different mindsets fosters empathy, connection, and meaningful dialogue across divides.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Authenticity in Conversations

03:57 The Weight of Current Events on Social Media

06:36 The Responsibility of Influencers and Content Creators

09:57 The Complexity of Political Beliefs and Personal Responsibility

12:45 Empathy and Understanding in a Divided Society

15:39 The Role of Apathy in Social Issues

18:43 The Impact of Violence on Humanity

21:46 Parenting in a Challenging World

24:33 The Science of Goodness and Human Behavior

27:32 Engaging with Bots and Social Media Responsibility

30:40 The Urgency of Speaking Up

33:44 Hope and the Future of Activism